About the Division

In partnership with VCU Massey Cancer Center, the Division of Hematology and Oncology offers a level of cancer experience and expertise only found at National Cancer Institute-Designated Cancer Centers. We are proud to be at the forefront of compassionate patient care, innovative education and cutting-edge research in the field of pediatric hematology and oncology.

In a collaborative, family-centered environment at the Children’s Hospital of Richmond, the dedicated faculty in our division specialize in the following diseases and treatments:

Joseph Laver, M.D.

“It is very rewarding to see our patients growing, like any other child without the disease would, because of what we do here.”

Joseph Laver, M.D.

Education

Medical Students

Medical students often join us on inpatient and outpatient rotations during their M3 clerkship and M4 acting internship. When students express a particular interest in pediatric hematology and oncology, we are happy to provide additional support and connect them with enhanced educational opportunities.

Read about electives for medical students

Residents

Trainees in the pediatric residency program rotate through the hematology and oncology wards and clinic during PGY-1 and PGY-2, with opportunities for additional exposure during elective rotations. Those interested in hematology and oncology may select it as a subspecialized track, and faculty and fellows provide support for residents preparing for a fellowship.

Learn more about our residency

Fellows

Our three-year fellowship, accredited by the ACGME, trains physicians for an academic career in pediatric hematology, oncology and stem cell transplantation. In addition to providing clinical care as the primary physician for newly diagnosed patients, responsibilities include supervising and teaching pediatric residents and medical students on inpatient and outpatient rotations.

Learn more about our fellowship

Research

VCU is an active participant in the Children’s Oncology Group, an international conglomerate of medical centers devoted to childhood and adolescent cancer research. All faculty in our division are members of VCU Massey Cancer Center, where we enroll patients in clinical trials and engage in education for families, community outreach and re-entry programs for children returning to school.

We also collaborate across disciplines to conduct research related to medication adherence and fertility preservation.

Explore our pediatric research

Our Team

Joseph Laver, M.D.

Joseph Laver, M.D.

Hematology and Oncology

Joseph Laver, M.D.

Joseph Laver, M.D.

Hematology and Oncology

Pediatrics

Professor
Chief, Division of Hematology and Oncology

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Joseph Laver, M.D. at CHoR

India Sisler, M.D.

India Sisler, M.D.

Hematology and Oncology

India Sisler, M.D.

India Sisler, M.D.

Hematology and Oncology

Pediatrics

Associate Professor

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India Sisler, M.D. at CHoR

Marieka Helou, M.D.

Marieka Helou, M.D.

Vice Chair of Education, Interim Residency Program Director

Marieka Helou, M.D.

Marieka Helou, M.D.

Vice Chair of Education, Interim Residency Program Director

Pediatrics

Associate Professor

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Marieka Helou, M.D. at CHoR

Madhu Gowda, M.D.

Madhu Gowda, M.D.

Hematology and Oncology

Madhu Gowda, M.D.

Madhu Gowda, M.D.

Hematology and Oncology

Pediatrics

Assistant Professor

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Madhu Gowda, M.D. at CHoR

Gita V. Massey, M.D.

Gita V. Massey, M.D.

Hematology and Oncology

Gita V. Massey, M.D.

Gita V. Massey, M.D.

Hematology and Oncology

Pediatrics

Associate Professor

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Gita V. Massey, M.D.at CHoR

Frances Austin, M.D.

Frances Austin, M.D.

Hematology and Oncology

Frances Austin, M.D.

Frances Austin, M.D.

Hematology and Oncology

Pediatrics

Assistant Professor

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Frances Austin, M.D. at CHoR

Kelly Lastrapes, M.D.

Kelly Lastrapes, M.D.

Hematology and Oncology

Kelly Lastrapes, M.D.

Kelly Lastrapes, M.D.

Hematology and Oncology

Pediatrics

Assistant Professor

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Kelly Lastrapes, M.D. at CHoR

Joanne Wang, M.D.

Joanne Wang, M.D.

Hematology and Oncology

Joanne Wang, M.D.

Joanne Wang, M.D.

Hematology and Oncology

Pediatrics

Associate Professor

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Joanne Wang, M.D. at CHoR

Jordyn Griffin, M.D.

Jordyn Griffin, M.D.

Hematology and Oncology

Jordyn Griffin, M.D.

Jordyn Griffin, M.D.

Hematology and Oncology

Pediatrics

Assistant Professor

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Jordyn Griffin, M.D. at CHoR

Daniel Cannone, D.O.

Daniel Cannone, D.O.

Hematology and Oncology

Daniel Cannone, D.O.

Daniel Cannone, D.O.

Hematology and Oncology

Pediatrics

Assistant Professor

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Daniel Cannone, D.O. at CHoR

Nadirah El-Amin, D.O.

Nadirah El-Amin, D.O.

Hematology and Oncology

Nadirah El-Amin, D.O.

Nadirah El-Amin, D.O.

Hematology and Oncology

Pediatrics

Assistant Professor

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Nadirah El-Amin, D.O. at CHoR

Elizabeth Krieger, M.D.

Elizabeth Krieger, M.D.

Hematology and Oncology

Elizabeth Krieger, M.D.

Elizabeth Krieger, M.D.

Hematology and Oncology

Pediatrics

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Jennifer Rohan, Ph.D.

Jennifer Rohan, Ph.D.

Hematology and Oncology

Jennifer Rohan, Ph.D.

Jennifer Rohan, Ph.D.

Hematology and Oncology

Pediatrics

Assistant Professor

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Jennifer Rohan, Ph.D. at CHoR